Lake Bluff’s Blair Park Pool main pool will not open on time this summer as a repair project is running about two to three weeks behind schedule, officials said.
The Lake Bluff Park District originally anticipated opening the pool on May 31. However, that is now being pushed to mid-June amid some problems with the renovation.
“We are a little frustrated with the delay, but we know at the end it will be a great project,” Park District Executive Director John Bealer said.
He described several issues that led to the delay.
Initially, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued its permit about three weeks later than expected, according to Bealer.
“We could not do any construction until the permit was issued,” Bealer said.
Then the contractor faced a labor shortage and some materials necessary for the repair were not available, Bealer added.
The situation took an unexpected turn on April 30, when a subcontractor working on the pool’s drain struck a natural gas line. For safety reasons, the Park District closed its Recreation Center.
The building opened the next day with Bealer saying the Park District staff subsequently met with the contractor about the incident. The company will be billed for lost revenue and the related expenses incurred.
“It’s not going to be a very large number but the contractor will reimburse the Park District for that,” Bealer noted. “They have apologized for the inconvenience.”
With the delay, the Park District has worked out an arrangement for its patrons to swim at the Libertyville Recreation Department’s two pools with discounted rates from May 24 through June 30.
While the main pool project is delayed, Bealer said the nearby tot pool for children ages 6 and under is set to open on May 31.
The Park District had already planned for a pool repair last year. Then, upon the discovery of a broken pipe, it had to be closed about a week earlier than normal.
The Park Board then approved a $2.7 million renovation project with the scope of the work including repaired pipes, a new concrete pool deck, and new liners, enhanced lighting and new shade structures. A $600,000 State of Illinois Open Space and Land Development Grant will offset the project cost.
Bealer said the overall budget estimate remains in place.
Moreover, he remains upbeat about what the renovated pool will mean for the community.
“This will definitely be a huge benefit for the community because we are extending the life of the pool for another 15 to 20 years,” he said. “It is such an important community asset for Lake Bluff.”
Sunrise Beach is scheduled to open on May 24, according to the Park District’s website.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
